Is Porto Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion After Visiting Porto Twice

Portugal is one of the countries that I visit the most, and I keep going back almost every year.

Sometimes my Portugal trips start in Lisbon, while other times they begin in Porto or Faro. Each city can be a solid starting point for your Portugal itinerary, depending on where you want to go.

If you’re planning your first trip to Portugal, then chances are you’re wondering: is Porto worth visiting, or should you just stick to Lisbon?

Having visited Porto twice, I do understand both its charm and its drawbacks.

The thing is, Porto isn’t one of those cities that instantly blows your mind with grand monuments or endless famous attractions. Its charm is a little slower, a little moodier, and perhaps more romantic than you’d expect.

👉 Planning a last-minute trip to Porto? I have got you covered, here are the top experiences to book in Porto:

• Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch
• Complete Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Wine Tastings and River Cruise (Different tour operator)
• Porto 1, 2, 3, or 4 day card with Public Transportation and 7 Museums entry included.

👉 Here are the top hotels to book in Porto:

• Guest House Douro
• PortoBay Flores
• Lindo apartamento em Gaia ao lado Bodegas
• The Passenger Hostel

The first thing that struck me about Porto was how beautiful it is without trying too hard. Grandmas standing on the balconies of the little houses adorned with azulejos (the iconic Portuguese tiles with intricate patterns) are stacked along the Douro River, alongside pretty bakeries selling pastel de nata, tiled churches, old trams, dramatic viewpoints, and steep streets that make you feel like you’re constantly walking through a postcard.

After two visits, I can honestly say Porto is one of my favorite cities in Portugal. But it may not suit every kind of traveler.

So, if you’re trying to decide whether Porto deserves a place on your Portugal itinerary, here are my honest thoughts.

Porto’s Location

Porto is located on the coast of northern Portugal.

If you want to explore Portugal from north to south, Porto is the perfect place to start your trip. Even if you only plan to explore the north, you’ll most likely begin your journey in Porto.

Fly into Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and stay here for a night or two. To travel further, you can either rent a car for a Portugal road trip or get around by bus and train. I have done all three, and they are all easy and convenient.

From Porto, you can head to Coimbra, Nazare or Óbidos next as you continue exploring Portugal.

Porto’s Vibe

Unlike Lisbon, which has a lighter and more pastel-colored aesthetic, Porto has a darker, more Gothic vibe.

The old buildings are highly ornate, yet darker and more dramatic in appearance. If you’re into dark aesthetic photography, then Porto is definitely the place for you.

Many times, I felt as if I were walking through the world of Harry Potter. (If you’re a Potterhead, keep reading to learn about Porto’s Harry Potter connection.)

Amazing Viewpoints

One of the biggest reasons why Porto is worth visiting is the sheer number of amazing viewpoints.

If you have been following my travel blog and posts, then you know already that I love cities with viewpoints. In this case, Porto truly delivers!

Because the city is built on hills along the Douro River, you get stunning panoramic views almost everywhere. In fact, one of my favorite things to do in Porto was simply walking around and accidentally discovering viewpoints.

Yes, Miradouro da Vitória, Jardim do Morro, and the viewpoints around Dom Luís I Bridge are some of the best spots to admire the city. BUT the real gems are smaller cafes and bars with unexpected viewpoints. (My Porto itinerary post talks about some of them).

Watching the sunset from Jardim do Morro with Porto’s old town glowing across the river and then sipping Sagres beer in a small bar with a view is honestly one of those travel moments that stays with you.

Yes, Porto has UNESCO World Heritage sites too.

The historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is easy to understand why once you start exploring the city.

The architecture alone is enough to impress you. Even São Bento Railway Station is absolutely stunning, with its iconic azulejo tile panels that depict important moments from Portuguese history. Porto Cathedral and the beautiful Clérigos Tower are also must-see landmarks that add to the city’s historic charm.

The Ribeira district, with its narrow lanes, colorful buildings, riverside atmosphere, and centuries-old character, feels almost timeless. It is one of those places where you can happily spend hours wandering without a plan.

One thing I really liked about Porto is that history doesn’t feel locked away inside museums here. Instead, it is woven into everyday life. Whether you’re crossing a historic bridge, admiring tiled facades, or walking through centuries-old streets, you constantly feel connected to the city’s past.

Walking around Porto, I often felt as if the entire city was one giant open-air museum.

Food Scene (And Yes, the Francesinha)

Let’s talk about food because this alone can be a reason why Porto is worth visiting.

If you love seafood like I do, then chances are you’ll fall in love with the food in Porto. Fresh seafood, grilled fish, pastries, local wines, petiscos (Portuguese-style small plates), and comforting traditional dishes – Porto does food very well.

I remember eating some of my best meals in Porto in old fashioned tavern or a tasca, eating fresh octopus salad, jumbo prawns, crab and wine. I recommend a place called “Adega Bebe-Se Mal” in Porto.

The simple herby garlicky seafood dishes were simply the best. Yes, Portuguese food deserves more hype than it gets.

And of course, there’s the famous Francesinha sandwich, which is often described as the ultimate hangover meal.

I had heard about it long before my first visit to Porto and honestly, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.

For those who don’t know, the Francesinha is Porto’s legendary indulgent sandwich – layered with different meats, covered in melted cheese, and drenched in a rich beer-based sauce. It is usually served with fries, making it an even more substantial meal.

Is it light? Absolutely not.

Will you need a nap afterwards? Possibly.

But should you try it while in Porto? Definitely.

To be honest, I couldn’t finish mine. Halfway through, I realized I probably should have looked for a vegetarian or vegan version instead. Still, I’m glad I tried it because it is such an iconic Porto experience and a big part of the city’s food culture.

Beyond the Francesinha, Porto has fantastic bakeries, affordable local restaurants, wine bars, and cozy cafés. One of my favorite things to do was simply wander around the city and stop whenever a bakery caught my eye. Between the pastel de nata, fresh bread, coffee culture, and riverside restaurants, Porto is a wonderful destination for food lovers.

Porto’s Harry Potter Connection

If you are a Potterhead like me, you will find this interesting.

So, there’s this bookstore in Porto which is rumored to be JK Rowling’s inspiration for Harry Potter’s Gryffindor common room. This bookstore is called Livraria Lello. I visited it in 2022 and I was shocked to see how it was overflowing with tourists.

It costs around 5 Euros to enter this bookstore, and you can use this money as a voucher for buying a book. You can also fast track your visit by buying a skip-the-line ticket – but I feel that it isn’t worth visiting this bookstore if it’s that crowded. You won’t be able to click any nice photos at all, and the lines at the check-out counter were insane so we decided to not buy a book.

Now after my visit, I researched and found out that yes, JK Rowling spent time in Porto while writing Harry Potter, but this bookstore was NEVER the inspiration. Instead, she had tweeted that if anything, it was Majestic Cafe which inspired her.

As you walk around in Porto, some of its areas with the Gothic Architecture and dark aesthetics will remind you of the Harry Potter movies. Even some of the school uniforms resemble Hogwarts school uniforms (mionus the cape, obviously).

I did get reminded enough about Harry Potter that I got a Hogwarts letter tatttoo from Porto.

Fado and Cultural Experiences

Most people associate Fado with Lisbon, but yes, you can experience Fado in Porto too. And you should.

There is something incredibly atmospheric about sitting in an intimate venue, listening to soulful Portuguese music while drinking a glass of wine.

Even if you don’t understand Portuguese, the emotion behind Fado comes through.

Porto has this slightly nostalgic, poetic vibe that pairs beautifully with Fado music. If you enjoy culture, music, and experiences that feel genuinely local, then Porto has a lot to offer.

Walkability and Atmosphere

I will be honest – cities like Porto and Lisbon are walkable but not for everyone. The streets are steep and sometimes there are many steps.

If you are fit then walking in Porto and exploring will be a lot of fun for you. Wandering through Ribeira, crossing bridges, climbing random staircases, finding tiled facades, browsing little shops, or sitting by the river with a drink — that’s where Porto really shines.

BUT, if you aren’t used to movement, daily walks or climbs then do not underestimate the workout because of the slopes. Moreover to make things worse, the cobbled streets tend to get slippery.

Yes, one of my favorite things about Porto was simply walking around without a strict plan because it feels like all the attractions can just be discovered like this. BUT I wound’t bring my mother here because walking around in Porto woudn’t be easy for her.

Ease of Public Transportation

One thing that makes Porto easy to visit is its public transportation. The metro system is straightforward, efficient, and connects many important parts of the city, including the airport.

This is something I personally appreciate because I don’t always want to rent a car for city trips.

Trams, buses, trains, and funiculars make getting around fairly easy.

As mentioned before, prepare to walk. Porto is hilly. You will probably earn your pastries and Francesinha calories by climbing up and down steep streets.

Port Wine Cellars

You can’t really ask “is Porto worth visiting?” without mentioning port wine. This is, after all, the birthplace of port wine.

Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia and you will find famous wine cellars offering tastings and tours.

Even if you aren’t a huge wine person, visiting a cellar is still worth doing because you learn a lot about the region’s history and culture.

And yes, the riverside views from Gaia are fantastic too.

Day trips from Porto

If you’re staying in Porto for a few extra days, then you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of excellent day trip options nearby.

One of the most popular day trips from Porto is to the Douro Valley.

Most organized tours include wine tastings, visits to traditional wine estates, a scenic river cruise, and a stop in Pinhão, one of the prettiest villages in the region.

The viewpoints around Pinhão are especially stunning and offer some of the best views of the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards.

Another fantastic option is a day trip to Braga and Guimarães.

Along the way, you’ll travel through the beautiful landscapes of the Minho region and visit Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world.

Guimarães, often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal, is equally charming with its historic center and medieval atmosphere.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, consider visiting the Paiva Walkways and the Arouca 516 Bridge.

The highlight is walking across one of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding valley and river below.

Where to Go After Porto

When you arrive in Porto, you can rent a car and drive to the next destinations.

For beach lovers, there are several coastal destinations within easy reach of Porto, including Nazaré, Matosinhos, Aveiro, and Figueira da Foz.

Out of these, I’ve personally visited Nazaré and Figueira da Foz. Both have beautiful beaches and make enjoyable day trips, but if I’m being honest, neither quite matches the dramatic coastline and stunning beaches of Portugal’s Algarve region.

Another option is Aveiro – often called the “Venice of Portugal” because of its network of canals and colorful moliceiro boats that glide through the city.

Beyond the canals, Aveiro is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, relaxed atmosphere, and delicious ovos moles, a traditional Portuguese sweet. It’s an easy day trip from Porto, but I think it’s worth staying at least one night to enjoy the city after the day-trippers leave.

If you are renting a car, then also consider a visit to Coimbra and Obidas.

Affordability

Compared to many major European cities, Porto can be surprisingly affordable.

A breakfast with coffee and Pastel de Nata usually costs as low as EUR 3 in total. A lunch of dinner can cost anywhere from EUR 7 – 25 – depending on whether you eat veg / fish / meat or combine you meal with a drink.

Accommodation prices have increased in recent years, especially during peak season, but food, wine, transport, and attractions can still be reasonable compared to cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or Zurich.

This makes Porto a good destination for travelers who want culture, food, beautiful architecture, and atmosphere without completely destroying their budget.

So, Is Porto Worth Visiting?

It depends on a few things.

If you are physically fit and enjjoy walking, then I can confidently say that yes, Porto is absolutely worth visiting. Especially if you enjoy scenic viewpoints, historic cities, good food, local culture, beautiful old architecture, wine, and walkable destinations with character.

However, if you are looking for a gentler vacation or a relaxing holiday, then skip Porto and visit the nearby Douro Valley instead.

Porto may not be as polished or as grand as some European capitals, but that’s actually part of its appeal. After visiting Porto twice, I can say this city grew on me more with each trip.

Just come prepared for hills, comfortable walking shoes, and possibly one very heavy Francesinha sandwich.

---

PS: Drifter Planet contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.